Former Mexican citizens have long been involved in Texas (you'll notice several Spanish surnames in the list of those who died in the Alamo, for instance).

Now to Spanish and what is going on today in general.

My problem with the bilingual ed mess is that we don't seem to be giving the kids, or their parents, the choice of what language we brand them with. If the parents/kids decide they want nothing to do with this "learning English nonsense," and a life of day-labor or roofing houses is good enough--then so be it.

I just don't like our school system deciding this for them.

As to the illegal immigration issue: we (and they) need to observe the laws. "What the laws are" is certainly a subject for debate. We need to get it together, and so far, I'm not hearing answers I like from Congress.

Finally, there's absolutely nothing wrong with Spanish! I'm a native-born, second-generation Texan, and I learned it. My oldest son is learning Spanish now as well!

I'll also tell you that I haven't met a native Spanish speaker who doesn't want to learn English. It's just, they don't know where to turn.